A former player for the Golden Eagles, Brandon Barnes spent his
first sason back on campus as an administrative assistant for
Watson BRown’s coaching staff. In 2011, the former starter in
the offensive line moves onto the field in the role of graduate
assistant coach where he will work alongside assistant coach Sam
Williamson with the defensive line.

A native of East Ridge, Tenn., Barnes, 26, was a starter in the
offensive line during his four-year career with the Golden Eagles
from 2004 to 2007. He graduated in December 2007 with a
bachelor’s degree in sociology, specializing in criminal
justice. He is currently enrolled and working toward a second
bachelor’s degree, this time in business management.

Barnes was a team co-captain and three-year starter for coach Tim
James at East Ridge High School. A standout on both sides of
scrimmage, he helped his prep team to consecutive playoff
appearances including the region title as a junior. He was also a
three-year letterman on the track & field team, finishing as
state runnerup in the shot put as a junior.

After his prep career, Brandon originally signed to attend East
Tennessee State, but when the school’s football program was
eliminated he made a smooth transition to Tennessee Tech. He played
all but one game as a redshirt freshman in 2004. He was a regular
in the offensive line for the next three years, including starting
22 consecutive games over the final two years. With Barnes up
front, Tech had seven different OVC Offensive Player of the Week
winners during his career.

In 2007, Barnes became just the fourth offensive lineman to win
Tech’s Sonny Allen Leadership Award.